The elementary students were so familiar with what the hungry caterpillar ate on Saturday they could practically say it along with the actors: A piece of chocolate cake, an ice-cream cone, a pickle, a slice of Swiss cheese, a slice of salami, a lollipop, a piece of cherry pie, a sausage, a cupcake, and a slice of watermelon. They knew why the little caterpillar was so hungry, too—and when it transformed into a butterfly, applause rippled across the school auditorium.
The familiarity of the storybooks presented in PARP Theater is one of its pleasures. Students anticipate the action and slip themselves into the stories.
What happens behind the scenes of this much-loved Katonah-Lewisboro tradition is a true learning experience, too.
PARP Theater is created by the students enrolled in The Actors Studio, John Jay’s most advanced acting class, taught by Bill Friedman. Each student selects a favorite children’s book to stage; they create the script, design the costumes, cast their classmates and direct the production. The results are performed at the District’s three elementary schools during the annual PARP (Pick a Reading Partner) celebration.
This year, with little more than a chair and a skateboard for props, the seven juniors and seniors presented six stories of friendship, self-confidence and transformation including “Elephant & Piggie: My New Friend Is So Fun!” “Officer Buckle and Gloria” and “Pig Kahuna.”
The glue between the stories was a series of vignettes between a mother and grown daughter who were going through a pile of storybooks together.
“I love reading with you,” said the daughter. “I love reading with you, too,” said the mom. Could there be a better PARP – pick a reading partner – message than this?!
Afterwards, the actors fielded questions from the audience. The younger students zoomed in on the close connection they saw between the high school students, and wanted to learn more.
“Talking about the books we grew up with is a really good way to get to know each other and build friendships,” said one of the actors.
“Most of us knew each other before we took this class—from being in shows together,” said another, referring to the dramas and musicals presented by John Jay High School Theater Workshop. “Being in shows is one of the best ways to make friends!"
Elephant & Piggie would agree.
Bravo Adeline Bartelemucci, Charlotte Bellinson, Melissa Falco, Emma Gleacher. Cade Schwark, Adina Talenfeld and Madison Varriale.